Philippine website to seek tips on missing Marcos paintings

This file photo taken on June 7, 2007 shows former first lady Imelda Marcos is seen in her apartment in Manila with a gallery of paintings including a Picasso, seen at upper right. AFP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines— A Philippine official says the government will launch a website next month to crowd-source tips on the whereabouts of some 200 missing art works, including paintings by Van Gogh, Picasso, and Rembrandt that were owned by former first lady Imelda Marcos.

Commissioner Andrew de Castro of the Presidential Commission on Good Government said Friday the commission wants to inform the public about the art treasures so they can help track them down.

Late dictator Ferdinand Marcos’ family allegedly amassed billions of dollars’ worth of ill-gotten wealth, and his widow became known for excesses, symbolized by her huge shoe collection and staggering jewelry.

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Experts Friday were concluding an appraisal of the jewelry collection seized after the family fled to Hawaii in 1986 following a popular revolt that ended Marcos’ two-decade rule.